Headaches can be a symptom of virtually hundreds of conditions: dehydration, mineral deficiencies, eye strain, food intolerances… The list goes on, but did you know they can also come from tight muscles and restricted mobility in the neck, or other regions of the body.
Problems with the neck, such as cervical sprain/strain, disc bulge, herniated disc, cervical radiculopathy, can cause headaches as well. These conditions create excessive muscle tightness and/or limited motion in the upper portion of the cervical spine, where it meets the base of the skull. The soft tissue in this area reacts by tightening up, subsequently restricting blood flow and/or referring pain to the scalp.
In spite of its distance from the neck, the pelvis can also contribute to headaches. Dysfunction in this area, which may include pelvic bones that are out of place, can have a domino effect up the spine affecting the neck, creating the same restrictions and limited mobility mentioned above.
Tightness in the muscles of the jaw can also be a cause of headaches. The temporalis muscle, located above the ear, helps close the jaw, and people who clench or grind their teeth overuse this muscle. Constant use will lead to tightness that can lead to headaches or pain in the head.
A Myofascial Release practitioner is trained to look for these causes and treat the appropriate structures at fault.
We serve Nassau County and Suffolk County, Long Island, Babylon and Massapequa, also serving Lindenhurst, West Islip, Islip, Bellmore, Merrick, Seaford, Wantagh, Copiague, Amityville, Massapequa Park, Deer Park, Dix Hills, West Babylon, North Babylon, Plainview, Plainedge, Bethpage, Farmingdale, and surrounding areas.
We specialize in treating chronic back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia, TMJ and headaches.
Give us a call for a free consultation: 631-376-0600 or 516-590-7611.
-Anthony Davis, PT